Poker training sites were once the gold standard for learning poker strategy. They played a huge role in revolutionizing the average player's skill level.
Sites like CardRunners and Deuces Cracked once boomed with beginners who were eager to learn new strategy concepts. But lately, training sites seem to have lost their luster.
Deuces Cracked no longer receives quite the same traffic that it once did. CardRunners, which once led the training world, closed in 2017.
Plus, every personal poker lesson is different! Teachers customize each class with the student's goals, interests, experience level, and preferred learning styles in mind. For example, poker classes for kids are quite different in terms of teaching methods and content from poker lessons for adults. A poker site that lets you play at many different poker rooms and receive a €1,000 deposit bonus and up to 40% rakeback. Muchos Poker Review: Sign Up for Muchos Poker: Tagged as: PokerTrikz. PokerStars is my #1 choice for players. They are the largest and most secure poker.
What exactly happened to cause such a drastic shift? I'm going to answer this by covering 9 reasons why poker training sites are fading away.
1 – Poker Training Got a Huge Boost from the Poker Boom
Up until the mid-2000s, poker players only had access to books, articles, forums, and each other when improving their games. But training sites came along in the mid-2000s and offered one of the most-effective means for becoming a better player.
As you may know, training videos feature instructors schooling viewers on certain strategy concepts. Many players have found this format to be a great method for bettering their skills.
The poker training industry was also helped greatly by the fact that it spawned during the poker boom. While players were busy watching Joe Hachem and Jamie Gold take down WSOP Main Event titles, they were also picking up tips from Taylor Caby and Andrew Wiggins on the side.
Unfortunately, poker's glory days took a downturn in 2006, when the US approved the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The UIGEA forced some of the biggest poker sites out of America.
Nevertheless, online poker continued thriving thanks to its popularity boost during the boom years. But the industry would be hit hard yet again when Black Friday happened in 2011.
The rise and decline of training sites essentially follows the same trajectory as the boom years. They experienced lots of success when players were jumping into the game right and left.
But like everything else with poker, training hubs took a hit due to legal events that happened in America. Internet poker has slowly continued declining due to regulation and split player pools in other countries.
Given that we'll probably never see a boom like what was experienced from 2003-2006 again, training sites won't ever have the same prominence.
2 – Training Sites Cannibalized Each Other
Everybody and every company wanted to jump into online poker during the boom. They all wanted a piece of this newly formed, multibillion-dollar pie.
Such was the case with training sites, which grew in frequency along with the rest of the industry. CardRunners and Deuces Cracked were eventually joined by other popular companies like Drag The Bar, Run It Up, and PokerStrategy.com.
The market was big enough for everybody when the game was flourishing. Anybody who watched their favorite pros on High Stakes Poker or the WSOP eventually became curious about improving their own skills.
Again, training sites are/were one of the most-effective methods of becoming a better player. Of course, the amount of people willing to pay subscription fees to join these sites is limited.
Once the golden years ended after Black Friday, there were suddenly too many training sites. They started cannibalizing each other while fighting for limited subscribers.
These sites eventually had to stop putting out so much content or close for good. CardRunners shutting down in 2017 was symbolic of how far this industry has fallen.
3 – Fewer Quality Instructors
The key idea behind poker training is that you get to learn from the pros. This concept works great when a high-stakes stud like Phil Galfond or Doug Polk is teaching you the perfect times to four-bet.
But it becomes much less desirable when Break-even Brad is explaining his thoughts check-raising the river. The poker industry's previous growth demanded more instructors, but it didn't necessarily demand the best of the best.
Smeg 4 slice 2 slot toaster black. Many players have become disenchanted with how training videos aren't always produced by quality pros. In fact, some of those watching the videos have better win rates than the people producing them.
I'm not saying that there aren't still plenty of good poker training instructors. But the quality went downhill when sites needed more and more instructors to help fill the growing demand for videos.
4 – Twitch Is the Standard for Video-Based Poker Strategy
Perhaps training videos would still be riding high if they didn't have competition in the space. However, Twitch has become the new gold standard for video-based poker strategy.
Training videos and Twitch aren't exactly the same things. The former sees players isolate and discuss a specific concept, while the latter involves grinders streaming their entire online sessions.
But Twitch is close enough to the training concept that it resonates with anybody who likes learning through videos or streaming. Many players like that they can watch professionals for free.
Pros don't charge viewing fees for most of their sessions. When they do charge, one usually only has to pay around $5 or so to watch specific content.
Another great thing about live streaming is that it's fun. Elite grinders like Daniel Negreanu, Jason Somerville, and Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier can chat with viewers while they're playing.
Training sites introduced the ability to look over a pro's shoulder while they engage in online sessions. But Twitch brought about the conversational aspect.
Yet one more great thing about live streaming is that it can be done from really cool places. Bill Perkins live streams his 'Thirst Lounge' videos from a yacht in the Caribbean.
Sure, Bill Perkins isn't a highly successful poker pro. Daytona beach casino. But many players appreciate watching the multi-millionaire play poker with tropical ocean waters in the background.
Poker Teaching Sites Videos
Other pros also have the option of streaming outside of their living room. Contrast this to training sites, which only offer a view of the instructor's online screen.
5 – Too Many Free Options Are Available
Training sites have never been overly expensive. You get access to a vault of helpful strategy videos at the cost of a $30 monthly subscription fee.
Many players have jumped at the opportunity to learn such strategy for a dollar per day. The winnings (or reduced losses) that some subscribers experience as a result more than pay for the fees.
But why pay for poker strategy when you can get much of the same content for free? Twitch and YouTube videos have provided serious competition to the training world — and without charge in many cases.
You'll never be forced to watch a strategy video on YouTube. Assuming you're still getting quality content, then it makes little sense to subscribe to a site when there are so many good YouTube strategy videos available.
The training industry still has a place in the poker world. Joining these sites allows you to get advice on specific situations, like thin value or range balancing. But many casual and even experienced players are more than happy with simply watching Twitch or YouTube.
6 – New Players Just Gravitate Towards Free Content
Any type of new business needs fresh customers in order to succeed. Training sites are no different, because they can only hold onto current subscribers for so long.
Eventually, current customers decide not to renew their subscriptions, either because they've learned enough or have moved on from poker. These customers must be replaced by new ones who are interested in bettering their games.
But if you're a new player, what are you going to do: pay a $30 monthly subscription fee or jump on YouTube or Twitch for free?
Many players today choose the latter option, because there's no barrier to entry. They simply visit the designated video or streaming site and begin watching right away. Players don't have to enter their credit card details and pay a new bill every month to learn tips.
Granted, one doesn't have to spend hours signing up and paying for a training subscription. But this process still takes time, which makes it less desirable.
7 – Experienced Players Have Outgrown Training Videos
Poker training was at its most useful stage when there was a wider gap between experienced grinders and beginners. At no time was this gap bigger than in the mid-2000s, when new players were rushing to the game.
Most of these players were dominated by more-experienced competition. Some quickly gave up upon realizing that they weren't going to become the next Phil Ivey or Gus Hansen overnight. Others wanted to better their games and continue trying to win.
Training videos offered a quick solution for gaining the knowledge of the pros. One could/can join one of these sites and access what can only be learned with years of experience.
Of course, the widespread availability of poker strategy has greatly improved the average player's skills. It was only a matter of time until amateurs caught up to those releasing the videos.
These days, the typical amateur today is better than a professional player from the mid-2000s and before. Sure, few have become as good as Galfond or Polk from watching videos. But some players feel like they're merely rehashing old concepts with training.
The closer skill gap between pros and amateurs has put a damper on these videos. And while training can still help some players greatly, it doesn't offer the same edge as in previous years.
8 – Fewer Updates
The poker training industry's stagnation has resulted in fewer updates from the sites. These are businesses just like anything else, which means they can't afford to pour out new content when they don't have enough subscribers to justify it.
Of course, training sites still get a fair number of customers across the board. This type of strategy offers certain advantages, including the ability to learn isolated concepts, as opposed to watching somebody's entire stream.
But by and large, fewer people are subscribing to these sites. Less revenue for the training industry also means fewer video updates.
Another point worth making is that there are only so many concepts that can be rehashed. Once you see 3-4 videos on range merging, you've basically seen them all.
You might still pick up a few finer points by watching numerous videos on each concept. However, the average player will be better served by learning a broader range of strategy.
Poker sites are worth joining initially so that you can see what angle they take when explaining various tips. But you're highly unlikely to remain a customer year in and year out when there are few updates and mostly older content available.
9 – Too Much Strategy Available All over the Internet
Up until the early 2000s, poker strategy was limited to books, magazine articles, and some rudimentary forums. Many players even had to befriend a pro and learn the ropes to become successful themselves.
The availability of poker strategy has changed tremendously today. You have access to thousands of articles and videos. You can also watch Twitch streams from numerous pros.
Want to learn everything that a specific pro knows from a book? You don't even have to pay for poker strategy books in some cases, because they can be downloaded online or bought as a cheap ebook.
Simply put, strategy is everywhere these days. You can find everything you need to get started with a simple Google search and less than five minutes of research.
Again, poker training has its place when it comes to bettering your skills. But you also have to consider if you really want to spend $30 every month for access to concepts that are often explained through free channels.
Conclusion
Poker training experienced a long period of bliss during the boom years and beyond. The idea of being able to watch how an experienced player deals with certain situations has helped many players improve their skills.
Training sites are still useful for anybody who's looking to expand their knowledge. This is especially true with newer sites like Upswing Poker (launched 2015), which brings fresh videos to a stagnant industry.
But training is a dying industry when looking across the board. The poker boom is long gone, and subscribers aren't lining up for these sites. This niche as a whole also suffers from a lack of great instructors and new content.
Competition has caused the space to take a nosedive too. Both Twitch and free YouTube videos have become more attractive to many players. They'd rather view these free options, rather than pay a subscription fee.
This leads to another problem for training sites in that strategy is available across the internet. Players have access to so many resources that training becomes just one of the options.
Finally, the skill gap between instructors and subscribers has closed considerably. Today's amateur is much better than the one 5-12 years ago. Training doesn't have as big of an impact for the average subscriber today.
In summary, poker training is still a viable way to improve as a poker player. Many beginners and intermediate players can learn a lot from watching these videos. But the industry as a whole is nowhere near as prominent as it was years ago.
Poker is a fascinating game. It's fun, exciting, mentally challenging and incredibly rewarding for those that put in the work. We're dedicated to the study of poker and it's our goal to help you develop the skills that are needed to be successful at this game. Having access to the wide range of training material contained within our poker school provides an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to learn how to play poker or take their game to new heights.
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Features of our poker school include:
- Expert tuition from highly respected poker experts!
- Poker lessons that provide clarity and understanding!
- Video tutorials that offer in-depth analysis and advice!
- A poker study guide to help beginners learn step–by–step!
- Quizzes to aid learning and ensure mastery of the material!
- Completely free to join – no-sign up fees or subscriptions required!
Foreword by Lou Krieger
'Pokerology is the most incredibly comprehensive online learning site I've seen in all my years in poker. And what's more, it's aimed squarely at beginning and intermediate players—not at professionals trying to eke out a little more know-how on their way to fame and fortune. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that you really have to walk before you can run, and run before you can fly. And if you want to jump start your poker education and raise your game, this is the place to do it.
At Pokerology, the learning never ends. And if you're aspiring to be the very best poker player you can become, your learning should never end either. Poker is a game of knowledge, information, and judgment, and the state of the art is always changing. In fact, poker has changed so much in recent years that if we chiselled a winning 2005 poker player our of a time capsule, he'd be a pathetic loser for quite a while—until he digested all the strategic changes that have changed the game in less than a decade.
Pokerology continues to grow and expand, and as complete as the site is, it will never be completely finished. As the game changes the site will continue to change with it so that your poker education is always on point, forever on the cutting edge, and eternally up-to-date with contemporary thinking and know how.
Welcome to Pokerology. May your game grow, expand, and prosper, and may you keep flopping aces.'
By Lou Krieger, La Quinta, CA 2012.
Lou Krieger authored many best-selling poker books, including ‘Hold'em Excellence‘ and 'Poker for Dummies‘ and is rightly regarded as one of poker's greatest ever teachers.
The Poker School Tour
With a strong emphasis on quality, our poker school offers a true multimedia learning experience. Let's take a moment to explore the features of our poker school, starting with our poker lessons:
The Poker Lessons
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Nearly all of our poker lessons contain video in addition to written text. We also use quizzes in many of our lessons and each of these elements is implemented onto a single page with the use of module tabs, providing greater usability and convenience.
As well-written and comprehensive as the text articles are, not everyone learns by reading. Videos also allow for deeper discussions on certain topics, particularly with the use of hand examples to effectively master the subject matter. It comes down to personal preference – we give you the choice of what works best for you, before testing your knowledge. The use of quizzes give immediate feedback, helping to aid the overall learning process.
The Study Guide
If you're a beginner then our poker study guide is your ideal starting point. We don't overwhelm beginners with jargon or assumption of knowledge and the study guide is written in a straightforward and accessible style. It neatly brings together the most relevant lessons, supplemental videos, and other poker school training material. The study guide will take you step-by-step and provide the structure that's needed when first learning how to play poker.
Nearly all of our poker lessons contain video in addition to written text. We also use quizzes in many of our lessons and each of these elements is implemented onto a single page with the use of module tabs, providing greater usability and convenience.
As well-written and comprehensive as the text articles are, not everyone learns by reading. Videos also allow for deeper discussions on certain topics, particularly with the use of hand examples to effectively master the subject matter. It comes down to personal preference – we give you the choice of what works best for you, before testing your knowledge. The use of quizzes give immediate feedback, helping to aid the overall learning process.
The Study Guide
If you're a beginner then our poker study guide is your ideal starting point. We don't overwhelm beginners with jargon or assumption of knowledge and the study guide is written in a straightforward and accessible style. It neatly brings together the most relevant lessons, supplemental videos, and other poker school training material. The study guide will take you step-by-step and provide the structure that's needed when first learning how to play poker.
Browse Lessons by Subject
Players with more experience can browse through all of our poker lessons, which we have grouped into categories. Beginners need structure, so should follow our study guide, but we have lots of poker lessons and too many to fit into a single poker course. The ability to browse our poker lessons by subject or topic provides greater flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and work on the parts of your game that need improvement.
The Video Library
Video tutorials are a core component of our poker school. Many of our poker lessons contain video, embedded into each page. Our video library contains a growing range of additional video content, designed to supplement our poker lessons. They are typically longer than those of our video based lessons and you'll find in-depth discussions about poker concepts, along with hand history analysis and full reviews of poker sessions, which provide a valuable learning experience.
Reference Charts
We have created several handy poker charts for aspiring poker players, such as basic poker odds and probability tables. Committing this type of information to memory can only be beneficial. We also have starting hand charts for beginners that can be used as a reference. Each of our chart loads as a PDF, meaning they be viewed on screen, bookmarked or better still, can be printed and studied offline.
Enjoy the Journey
Our poker school provides our members with a high quality, inclusive and comprehensive poker education – and best of all; it's completely free to join. There are no sign-up fees or subscriptions required – just a willingness to learn.
Sign-up and join Pokerology.com today!
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